Shafaq News- Beirut

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Monday criticized the US-brokered framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, warning it could “deepen internal divisions” and drag Lebanese factions into confrontation.

Speaking to Lebanon's Al-Akhbar newspaper, Berri said the agreement "will not pass and will not be implemented." He argued that ongoing US-Iran negotiations offered the only realistic path to securing an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, warning that separating the Lebanese file from the broader US-Iran diplomatic track would only “prolong Israel's military presence.”

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, for his part, stated that the government's priorities remain securing a full Israeli withdrawal, deploying the Lebanese army across the south, and completing the state's plan to place all weapons under its exclusive control.

On Friday, Lebanon and Israel signed a US-brokered framework agreement providing for a phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon in exchange for the Lebanese army's deployment and the disarmament of armed groups, but Hezbollah, the Amal Movement, and other political factions rejected the deal as a threat to Lebanese sovereignty. Israeli officials have insisted no withdrawal will take place before Hezbollah disarms, while leaked details of a reported secret security annex suggest Israeli forces would retain operational freedom in southern Lebanon without a fixed withdrawal timetable. The Lebanese army is expected to begin deploying to the first two pilot zones under US supervision as implementation of the agreement gets underway.

Read more: South Lebanon framework: What we know so far

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraqi security forces reopened Baghdad's Green Zone on Monday after temporarily closing it during the Dawn Crackdown security operation that resulted in a series of arrests in corruption cases.

Shafaq News correspondent said authorities lifted restrictions at the Green Zone's entrances after completing security measures. The area had been closed since Sunday dawn, with access limited to security badge holders and intensified inspections imposed on all incoming and outgoing vehicles.

Read more: Iraq detains top officials in anti-corruption sweep: What we know so far

Shafaq News- Baghdad

US support “contributed to the success” of Iraq's Dawn Crackdown anti-corruption campaign, which will ultimately "include everyone," a senior lawmaker from the Badr Organization, led by Hadi al-Amiri, said on Monday.

Mukhtar al-Moussawi, of the Badr bloc led by Hadi al-Amiri, told Shafaq News that the group fully supports Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's efforts to recover public funds, alleging that some corruption suspects possessed the financial resources to incite unrest, adding that Iraq was coordinating with other countries, including neighboring states, to extradite wanted suspects and recover public funds allegedly transferred abroad.

Iraqi authorities launched one of the country's largest anti-corruption operations in years, arresting more than 65 suspects, including politicians, lawmakers, and businessmen accused of corruption-related offenses.

Read more: Iraq detains top officials in anti-corruption sweep

Shafaq News- Diyala

Omar al-Karawi, head of Diyala Provincial Council, said Monday that the arrest of his brother, Deputy Mudhar al-Karawi, cannot be separated from his political stances, expressing confidence in Iraqi judicial processes to clarify the circumstances of the arrest.

“Mudhar al-Karawi maintained clear and consistent positions defending the people of Diyala, particularly in the Hamrin Basin,” his brother said, adding that he rejected attempts at marginalization and demographic change.

Omar al-Karawi alleged that his brother received a warning call from a political figure hours before security forces raided his residence, but refused to leave the country and expressed willingness to appear before any investigative committee. “No money or incriminating documents were found during the operation,” he added, clarifying that security forces arrested his brother alongside two minor children.

He described the detention of minors as raising questions about the operation's procedures. “No clear evidence of wrongdoing against the deputy has been presented, and the matter has been characterized as ongoing before Iraqi courts.” 

Read more: Iraq detains top officials in anti-corruption sweep: What we know so far

Shafaq News- Baghdad

The Iraqi government on Monday reaffirmed September 30 as the deadline for surrendering unlicensed weapons, warning that any firearm retained after that date will be classified as "irregular."

Government spokesperson Haidar Al-Aboudi had previously said the deadline forms part of the government's ministerial program approved by Parliament and coincides with the conclusion of the Global Coalition's mission in Iraq.

Read more: What does Iraq's new government promise? A guide to Ali Al-Zaidi's ministerial program

The government's disarmament initiative is outlined in the PM Ali al-Zaidi’s ministerial program and reviewed by Parliament. It includes a clear provision on establishing state monopoly over all weapons. The program specifies formation of committees and designated timelines for implementation.

Harakat al-Nujaba, a prominent Iran-aligned armed faction, stated that weapon restriction measures target "irregular weapons" that fuel lawlessness, not "resistance weapons."

Al-Abudi did not provide details on enforcement mechanisms after September 30.

Read more: Iraq to place armed factions' weapons under state control: What we know so far

Shafaq News

The World Cup 2026 Round of 32 continues on Tuesday, June 30 Baghdad time, with Netherlands facing Morocco in Monterrey before Ivory Coast meet Norway in Arlington.

Netherlands play Morocco at 04:00 at Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe, Mexico, while Ivory Coast face Norway at 20:00 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Both World Cup knockout matches are single-elimination ties, with the winners advancing to the Round of 16.

Netherlands vs Morocco

Netherlands and Morocco meet in one of the strongest World Cup Round of 32 fixtures, bringing together the Group F winners and the Group C runners-up. The winner will face Canada in the Round of 16 in Houston on July 4.

Netherlands reached the knockouts after topping Group F with seven points and 10 goals. Ronald Koeman’s side drew 2-2 with Japan, beat Sweden 5-1, then defeated Tunisia 3-1 to finish first. Koeman has warned that Morocco are a serious test despite the Dutch group-stage numbers. His side looked dangerous going forward but also showed vulnerability against Japan, who pressed high and attacked quickly in transition.

Netherlands carry deep World Cup pedigree into the tie. The three-time runners-up are unbeaten in six previous World Cup matches against African teams and have not lost a World Cup match in normal or extra time since the 2010 final against Spain.

Morocco finished second in Group C behind Brazil on goal difference, taking seven points from one of the tournament’s tougher groups. Walid Regragui’s side drew 1-1 with Brazil, beat Scotland 1-0, then defeated Haiti 4-2.

The Atlas Lions are seeking another deep knockout run after reaching the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Their 2026 group campaign has again shown the core strengths of Regragui’s team: compact defending, quick transitions, and confidence against higher-ranked opponents.

Morocco and Netherlands first met at a World Cup in 1994, and the modern Moroccan squad includes players with Dutch roots or Dutch football development.

Ismael Saibari, linked closely to Dutch football through PSV Eindhoven, has been one of Morocco’s key attacking references.

Ivory Coast vs Norway

Ivory Coast face Norway at Dallas Stadium in a World Cup Round of 32 match between two runners-up with sharply different tournament stories.

The winner will advance to face either Brazil or Japan in the Round of 16.

Ivory Coast reached the World Cup knockouts for the first time after finishing second in Group E behind Germany. Emerse Fae’s side lost narrowly to Germany, beat Ecuador, then defeated Curacao 2-0 to secure progression.

The campaign has already marked a historic step for the Ivorians, who had never advanced beyond the group stage in previous World Cup appearances. Fae has pointed to squad unity and competition for places as central to the team’s progress.

Ivory Coast’s strength is physical balance. They have pace, power, and enough technical quality to play through pressure, while their bench has helped sustain intensity late in matches.

Meanwhile Norway finished second in Group I behind France, returning to the World Cup knockouts in their first tournament appearance for 28 years.

Erling Haaland has been Norway’s headline figure, scoring twice in the 3-2 win over Senegal that secured their Round of 32 place. Martin Odegaard remains the team’s main organiser, giving Stale Solbakken’s side a clear creative axis behind Haaland.

Norway’s final group match was a 4-1 loss to France, but Solbakken rested key players, including Haaland and Odegaard, after qualification had already been secured. He defended the decision by stressing readiness for the Ivory Coast tie.

Solbakken has described Ivory Coast as one of the most physical teams in the tournament and called the match a 50-50 tie.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraqi authorities have arrested 21 suspects as part of the nationwide Dawn Crackdown anti-corruption campaign, while security forces continue searching for additional suspects who remain at large, government spokesperson Haider Al-Aboudi announced on Monday.

Speaking at a news conference, Al-Aboudi said the investigation uncovered a network accused of embezzling public funds after former Oil Ministry Undersecretary Adnan Al-Jumaili's confessions during the investigation pointed to the involvement of political figures and lawmakers.

Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi has directed the Finance Ministry to establish a dedicated account for depositing money recovered from illicit enrichment cases, Al-Aboudi added, describing the campaign, carried out in coordination with the Supreme Judicial Council and the Iraqi Parliament, as unprecedented in recent years.

Al-Aboudi also dismissed any link between the operation and the prime minister's planned visit to Washington next month.

Iraqi authorities launched the nationwide campaign on June 28 under Al-Zaidi's direction. A security source told Shafaq News that the number of arrests exceeded 67 during the first 24 hours, while informed sources said the initial phase is expected to target more than 200 current and former officials, politicians, business owners, and other suspects.

Read more: Iraq detains 47 officials in anti-corruption sweep: What we know so far

Shafaq News- Baghdad (Updated at 14:01)

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a state security organization that includes Iran-aligned factions, said on Monday that Iraq's government had requested an official funeral procession for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Speaking at a PMF meeting, Muhannad Al-Aqabi, director of the PMF's General Directorate of Media, described the procession as an official event that would be held in coordination with political forces and organized with the participation of relevant state institutions.

The Iraqi government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi said in a press conference that Iraq has approved a request from Iran to hold the official funeral procession for Iran's Khamenei on July 8.

Iranian FM is currently in Baghdad for a one-day visit, which includes official talks about preparations for the funeral procession.

Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader from 1989 until his death, was killed on February 28 during the opening day of US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Tehran has announced funeral ceremonies beginning in the Iranian capital on July 4, followed by Qom on July 7, Iraq on July 8, and burial in Mashhad on July 9.

The Iraq leg of the procession is scheduled to begin in Najaf before moving to the Imam Ali shrine, one of Shia Islam's holiest sites, and then to Karbala, home to the shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas ibn Ali, two other central figures in Shia religious history.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Bank deposits in Iraq fell to 104.727 trillion Iraqi dinars ($66.8B) at the end of April 2026 from 111.065 trillion dinars ($70.9B) at the end of 2025, according to data released by the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI).

The data showed central government deposits declined to 31.517 trillion dinars ($20.1B) from 36.497 trillion dinars ($23.3B), while private-sector deposits fell to 48.924 trillion dinars ($31.2B) from 50.644 trillion dinars ($32.3B). Deposits held by public institutions, however, rose to 24.286 trillion dinars ($15.5B) from 23.924 trillion dinars ($15.3B).

Total credit also declined to 73.637 trillion dinars ($47.0B) at the end of April from 75.584 trillion dinars ($48.2B) at the end of 2025.

The private sector accounted for the largest share of total credit at 47.236 trillion dinars ($30.1B), followed by the central government with 23.915 trillion dinars ($15.3B) and public institutions with 2.486 trillion dinars ($1.6B).

Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil

Gold prices declined in Baghdad and Erbil on Monday, with the price of 21-carat imported gold falling to 894,000 Iraqi dinars per mithqal (about five grams) in Baghdad's wholesale market.

According to a Shafaq News market survey, 21-carat Gulf, Turkish, and European gold sold for 894,000 dinars per mithqal and was bought at 890,000 dinars, down from 898,000 dinars on Sunday.

Iraqi 21-carat gold sold for 864,000 dinars per mithqal and was bought at 860,000 dinars.

In retail markets, imported 21-carat gold sold for between 895,000 and 905,000 dinars per mithqal, while Iraqi 21-carat gold ranged between 865,000 and 875,000 dinars.

In Erbil, 22-carat gold sold for 935,000 dinars per mithqal, 21-carat for 893,000 dinars, and 18-carat for 756,000 dinars.

The price of 21-carat gold first surpassed 1 million Iraqi dinars per mithqal in Iraq's local markets on Jan. 21, 2026. Gold prices in Iraq are generally determined by international bullion prices and the local exchange rate.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Former Iraqi Finance Minister Taif Sami's office on Monday rejected reports that she had fled Iraq or had been arrested as part of the country's anti-corruption campaign.

In a statement, the office described reports circulating on some media outlets and social media platforms as "completely false.” It urged media organizations, analysts, and activists to verify information before publishing or sharing it and called on Iraq's Communications and Media Commission to take legal action against the spread of misleading reports.

The office will also pursue legal action against anyone who circulates the allegations without relying on official sources.

On Sunday, Iraqi authorities launched a nationwide anti-corruption campaign under Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi's direction. A security source told Shafaq News the operation resulted in 67 arrests during its first 24 hours, while informed sources said it is expected to target more than 200 officials, politicians, former and current deputy ministers, business owners, and other suspects during its initial phase.

Read more: Iraq detains 47 officials in anti-corruption sweep: What we know so far

Shafaq News- Baghdad

The head of the Patriotic Shiite Movement (PSM), Muqtada al-Sadr, on Monday called for nationwide peaceful rallies after Friday prayers in support of Iraq's “heroic” anti-corruption campaign.

In a statement, he urged demonstrators to raise only Iraqi flags alongside banners depicting Imam Hussein bin Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and a revered figure in Shia Islam, as symbols of revolution against corruption.

pic.twitter.com/QUS7L3stB2

— مقتدى السيد محمد الصدر (@Mu_AlSadr) June 29, 2026

Earlier, Al-Sadr expressed support for the campaign, urging Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to continue pursuing corruption cases regardless of the suspects' political affiliation.

Iraqi authorities launched one of the country's largest anti-corruption operations in years, arresting more than 65 suspects, including politicians, lawmakers, and businessmen accused of corruption-related offenses.

Read more: Iraq detains top officials in anti-corruption sweep

Shafaq News- Gaza/ West Bank (Updated at 13:13)

Three Palestinians, including a child, were killed in an Israeli drone strike on Deir al-Balah in central Gaza on Monday, as Israeli forces carried out raids and settlers launched attacks across the occupied West Bank, according to Palestinian media.

The Gaza Health Ministry said that hospitals received four people killed and eight others wounded in Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours.

عاجل| مصادر محلية: استشهاد طفل جراء قصف طيران الاحتلال على شارع البركة بمدينة دير البلح وسط قطاع غزة pic.twitter.com/LO4FItvhA7

— شبكة قدس الإخبارية (@qudsn) June 29, 2026

Gaza

Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor argued that the violence in Gaza continues “quieter, slower, but just as deliberate,” adding that the enclave is being systematically denied the chance to recover. "An ongoing genocide does not end when it becomes less visible. It ends when the killing stops, when accountability begins, and when people are allowed to live.”

The world says the genocide in #Gaza is over. On the ground, it continues, quieter, slower, but just as deliberate. What once happened loudly now happens quietly, deliberately, and every day. People are still being killed.Destruction continues at a slower pace, but with the… pic.twitter.com/ibq2ibFlvP

— Euro-Med Monitor (@EuroMedHR) June 28, 2026

UNRWA warned that humanitarian needs across the strip remain immense, with safe drinking water, medicines, and food in short supply, while extensive damage to infrastructure continues to affect daily life.

Across #Gaza, humanitarian needs remain immense.Safe drinking water, medicines and food are in short supply, while massive damage to the Gaza infrastructure continues to severely affect the lives of the refugee communities.UNRWA helps meet the needs on the ground, providing… pic.twitter.com/hxbbFWFk6q

— UNRWA (@UNRWA) June 28, 2026

The Palestinian Health Ministry put the toll since the ceasefire took effect on October 11, 2025, at 1,038 killed, 3,329 wounded, and 786 bodies recovered, bringing the cumulative toll since October 7, 2023, to 73,051 deaths and 173,437 injuries.

West Bank

Israeli forces raided areas north of Tulkarm and several other governorates, searched homes, and damaged their contents. Military bulldozers continued land-clearing operations in Al-Jabariyat, overlooking the Jenin refugee camp, while troops destroyed murals bearing images of Palestinians killed in the conflict south of Al-Khalil (Hebron).

Settlers released cattle onto farmland east of Nablus, carried out excavation work in Al-Khalil to expand a settlement outpost, assaulted a security guard in Nablus, rebuilt the Beit Einot Hill outpost in Al-Khalil days after its demolition, and attempted to burn vehicles in Jerusalem before residents intervened.

مستوطنون ينفذون أعمال حفريات في أراضي المواطنين في بيرين شرق الخليل في إطار توسيع بؤرة استيطانية pic.twitter.com/szCbIIBDQR

— شبكة قدس الإخبارية (@qudsn) June 29, 2026

Data from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics indicates that at least 1,168 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 2023, including 210 children.

The Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission said settler attacks have exceeded 2,567 since the start of 2026. In May alone, Israeli forces and settlers carried out 1,659 attacks, while settlers attempted to establish 12 new colonial outposts and Israeli authorities seized 283 dunums of Palestinian land.

Shafaq News

The World Cup 2026 Round of 32 is set with the conclusion of the group stage after Austria and Algeria drew 3-3 in Group J.

The Round of 32 began on Sunday, June 28, when Canada beat South Africa 1-0 to become the first team into the Round of 16. The remaining matches continue through Saturday, July 4 Baghdad time.

The 2026 edition is the first 48-team World Cup and the first to include a Round of 32. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups advanced, along with the eight best third-placed teams.

Fixture List (Baghdad time):

- Sunday, June 28

22:00 - South Africa 0-1 Canada

Venue: Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood

Winner will play: Netherlands or Morocco

Status: Canada advanced to the Round of 16

- Monday, June 29

20:00 - Brazil vs Japan

Venue: Houston Stadium, Houston

Winner will play: Ivory Coast or Norway

23:30 - Germany vs Paraguay

Venue: Boston Stadium, Foxborough

Winner will play: France or Sweden

- Tuesday, June 30

04:00 - Netherlands vs Morocco

Venue: Estadio Monterrey, Guadalupe

Winner will play: Canada

20:00 - Ivory Coast vs Norway

Venue: Dallas Stadium, Arlington

Winner will play: Brazil or Japan

- Wednesday, July 1

00:00 - France vs Sweden

Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford

Winner will play: Germany or Paraguay

04:00 - Mexico vs Ecuador

Venue: Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City

Winner will play: England or DR Congo

19:00 - England vs DR Congo

Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta

Winner will play: Mexico or Ecuador

23:00 - Belgium vs Senegal

Venue: Seattle Stadium, Seattle

Winner will play: United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina

- Thursday, July 2

03:00 - United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

Venue: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara

Winner will play: Belgium or Senegal

22:00 - Spain vs Austria

Venue: Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood

Winner will play: Portugal or Croatia

- Friday, July 3

02:00 - Portugal vs Croatia

Venue: Toronto Stadium, Toronto

Winner will play: Spain or Austria

06:00 - Switzerland vs Algeria

Venue: BC Place Vancouver, Vancouver

Winner will play: Colombia or Ghana

21:00 - Australia vs Egypt

Venue: Dallas Stadium, Arlington

Winner will play: Argentina or Cape Verde

- Saturday, July 4

01:00 - Argentina vs Cape Verde

Venue: Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens

Winner will play: Australia or Egypt

04:30 - Colombia vs Ghana

Venue: Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City

Winner will play: Switzerland or Algeria

The Round of 16 begins on July 4 Baghdad time, followed by the quarterfinals from July 9, the semifinals on July 14 and 15, the third-place playoff on July 18, and the final on July 19.

Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil

The US dollar rose in Baghdad and Erbil on Monday, trading around 156,700 Iraqi dinars per $100.

According to a Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded at 156,750 dinars per $100 at Baghdad's Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya central exchanges, up from 156,600 dinars on Sunday's trading.

In the Iraqi capital, exchange shops sold the dollar at 157,250 dinars and bought it at 156,250 dinars.

In Erbil, the dollar traded higher, with selling prices reaching 156,600 dinars per $100 and buying prices at 156,500 dinars.

Shafaq News- Baghdad (Updated at 12:37)

Iraq's Interior Ministry said on Monday that anti-narcotics forces arrested a suspected drug dealer and seized 29 kilograms of hashish, a concentrated cannabis resin, while the Supreme Judicial Council announced the destruction of 239 kilograms of narcotic substances seized in Basra.

Investigators, according to the Interior Ministry, tracked the suspect through intelligence work and GPS technology before arresting him while he was allegedly preparing to receive the drug shipment. It described the suspect as a "dangerous dealer" who had experience evading surveillance and changing smuggling and distribution methods.

The Supreme Judicial Council also announced Monday the destruction of 239.8 kilograms of narcotic substances seized in Basra, along with over 1,388 narcotic tablets and 202 bottles of codeine.

Iraq’s Interior Ministry dismantled 230 drug trafficking networks, including 27 international rings, over the past three years. Crystal meth accounted for the largest share of consumption nationwide at 37.3%, followed by Captagon at 34.3%. Most users were between the ages of 15 and 30, with higher prevalence recorded in impoverished communities.

Shafaq News- Ankara

Iraqi nationals topped the list of foreign citizens leaving Turkiye in 2025, with immigration rising sharply and overall emigration falling.

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, 393,829 people immigrated to Turkiye in the same year, up 25.2% from the previous year. Of those, 301,877 were foreign nationals, and 91,952 were Turkish citizens.

The number of people leaving Turkiye fell 5% to 403,216, including 248,097 foreign nationals and 155,119 Turkish citizens.

Iraqis accounted for 15.7% of all foreign nationals departing Turkiye, followed by Afghans (11.2%), Russians (7.6%), Iranians (6.3%), and Turkmen nationals (5.7%).

Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi stated that more than 1.434 million Syrians have voluntarily returned to Syria since 2016, including 578,000 since the fall of the former Syrian government on Dec. 8, 2024, while more than two million Syrians remain under temporary protection in the country.

Among new arrivals, Turkmen nationals made up the largest share of foreign immigrants (23.4%), ahead of Azerbaijanis (8.3%), Uzbeks (6.9%), Egyptians (6.1%), and Afghans (5.8%).

Shafaq News- Daraa

Israeli forces attacked the village of Abideen in Syria's southern Daraa province and pushed ground troops across the frontier, damaging homes and farmland and forcing residents to flee to neighboring towns.

According to the Syrian state news agency (SANA), the raid came from al-Jazira, an Israeli military post just inside Syrian territory. As armored vehicles advanced, residents blocked the roads into Abideen with stones to keep them out; Israeli troops responded with gunfire and illumination flares over the Yarmouk basin before withdrawing. Hours earlier, soldiers had briefly occupied a nearby hill, pitching tents before abandoning the position. Israeli warplanes and helicopters continued to circle over Daraa and the neighboring Quneitra province through the day.

Syria's Foreign Ministry condemned the operation as a violation of the country's sovereignty and a breach of the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement of Forces, the UN-brokered truce that has separated Syrian and Israeli troops along the occupied Golan Heights since the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. It warned that the repeated incursions risk wider escalation and called on the United Nations to enforce the agreement.

Israeli forces have steadily expanded their presence across southern Syria since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, moving into a buffer zone that had separated the two sides for half a century. SANA reported that Israeli troops have established nine forward positions inside Syrian territory, on Mount Hermon and in villages including al-Hamidiyah and al-Adnaniyah, and dug a fortified trench known as "Sofaa Line 53" along the old separation line, cutting farmers off from their land.

The ministry also pointed to earlier abuses in Quneitra, including the detention of 47 Syrians and the demolition of 16 homes in the village of al-Hamidiyah after residents were forced out.

Read more: Is normalization with Israel on the horizon?

Shafaq News- Beirut (Updated at 9:24)

Hezbollah accused Israel of carrying out a series of ceasefire violations across southern Lebanon, warning that it reserves the right to defend the country and its people.

The group, in a statement, detailed multiple Israeli operations in a single day, citing airstrikes on residential buildings in Nabatieh and Mayfadoun, a drone strike on open ground in Froun, detonation of buildings in al-Taybeh and Hadatha, and “stun grenades” used near civilians in Burj Qalawiyah and Braasheet.

Local media corroborated the reported Israeli actions. Hezbollah said it is tracking and documenting the violations, calling them "a flagrant breach of the ceasefire Israel had committed to."

Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed 4,247 people and wounded 12,195 since March 2, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

On Friday, Beirut and Tel Aviv signed a framework agreement in Washington following a fifth round of negotiations. The deal sets out a phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, beginning with two pilot zones —areas designated for initial deployment by the Lebanese army once armed groups disarm. Hezbollah, the Amal Movement, and other parliamentary blocs rejected the agreement as unbalanced and a threat to Lebanese sovereignty.

Israel raised its security alert level following the signing, bracing for a possible attack by Iran. The Israeli news site Walla, citing Israeli military sources, reported that the agreement had alarmed both Hezbollah and Tehran, in part because it provides for the group's disarmament, its removal from southern Lebanon, and the normalization of Lebanese-Israeli relations. According to those sources, Iran has signaled its displeasure by escalating tensions with the United States and raising the prospect of disrupting the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel says it is preparing for all scenarios, including a direct strike.

Israeli media published leaked portions of “a secret security annex” to the agreement, kept confidential at Lebanon's request. The Times of Israel, citing an informed official, reported the annex grants the Israeli military full freedom of movement within the security zone and confirms there will be no automatic withdrawal. Channel 12 reported that Israeli withdrawal is tied to field assessment rather than a fixed timetable, a condition it said the Lebanese government accepted. It also reported that expanding the pilot zones would require Israeli approval, with full deployment expected to take several weeks, and that the annex grants the Israeli military freedom of action within the security perimeter to act against what Israel considers emerging and direct threats.

An Israeli military source told Haaretz the Israeli army has not yet received orders to withdraw from any area in Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have stated that no Israeli withdrawal will occur unless Hezbollah disarms.

The Lebanese army, according to Channel 12, is expected to deploy in the coming hours to the first two pilot zones assigned by Israel in the towns of Zawtar al-Gharbiyah and Froun, under the direct supervision of the US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper, who is expected to arrive in Lebanon from Israel within hours. Froun is not currently occupied by Israel.

Read more: South Lebanon framework: What we know so far

📌 ميفدون pic.twitter.com/W4Tmr6SvFR

— Al Jadeed News (@ALJADEEDNEWS) June 28, 2026

Shafaq News

Oil prices rose on Monday following days of tit-for-tat strikes by the ‌U.S. and Iran that underscored the fragility of their interim peace deal and again slowed energy shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude futures climbed 58 cents, or 0.8%, to $72.57 a barrel at 0207 GMT ​while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $70.11 a barrel, up 88 cents, or ​1.3%.

"There's still plenty of risk facing the oil market. Even so, participants ⁠appear to be ... focusing on what a continued recovery in oil flows would mean for ​the global balance," ING analysts said in a note on Monday.

"This complacency is odd and clearly ​leaves significant upside risk if the supply recovery proves slow."

Brent crude fell 10.6% last week, its third weekly decline, after crude shipments through the strait rose last week to their highest level since the U.S.-Israeli war on ​Iran began in late February.

However, traffic has since slowed following renewed attacks on ships in ​the strait from Thursday, including a Qatar-linked oil tanker, that triggered strikes from the U.S. and Iran in the ‌worst ⁠escalation since they signed an interim peace deal.

Capping oil price gains, Iran and the U.S. agreed to halt recent hostilities in the Gulf and renew talks regarding their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official said on Sunday.

"The market is likely to re-evaluate its assumption of ​a quick recovery of ​oil supply from ⁠the Persian Gulf," ANZ analysts said in a note.

Saudi oil giant Aramco resumed crude oil loadings on Friday at its Ras Tanura terminal, west of ​the Strait of Hormuz, after they were halted for nearly four ​months, as ⁠oil producers ramped up output and exports ahead of an interim deal.

Loadings continued even after a helicopter belonging to the company crashed on Sunday at Ras Tanura, killing 14 nationals. The cause of the ⁠crash ​was unknown.

"Physical flows are constrained by tanker backlogs, damaged ​infrastructure and production shut-ins. It could take the remainder of the year before supply is near pre-conflict levels," ANZ analysts ​said.

(REUTERS)

Only the headline is edited by Shafaq News.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s anti-corruption campaign led to 67 arrests within the first 24 hours of a sweeping nationwide drive, a security source told Shafaq News on Monday.

The detainees included members of parliament, political figures, government employees, and business owners accused of financial corruption, mismanagement of public funds, and illicit enrichment.

“Several wanted individuals have either fled or gone into hiding inside Iraq, but tightened border and internal security measures have prevented any confirmed exits from the country,” the source added, noting that the number of arrests will “definitely increase.”

On Sunday, Iraqi security forces, under Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s directive, carried out a nationwide anti-corruption operation. According to informed sources, the campaign is expected to target more than 200 officials, politicians, former and current deputy ministers, business owners, and other suspects during its initial phase.

Read more: Iraq detains 47 officials in anti-corruption sweep: What we know so far

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Baghdad has escalated its anti-corruption drive, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi stated on Sunday, framing the ongoing campaign as the initial phase of wider efforts to recover public funds and strengthen oversight across state bodies.

During a cabinet session, al-Zaidi stressed that safeguarding national resources remains a core responsibility, pointing to years of conflict and instability that have weakened the country’s institutions.

“The situation surrounding corruption and financial mismanagement can no longer be tolerated and ignored,” he added, citing the need for stronger monitoring tools and closer scrutiny of performance across ministries and public agencies.

Al-Zaidi further instructed oversight bodies to monitor performance indicators within ministries and government institutions to identify cases of corruption, negligence, or administrative failure. The measure, he indicated, is intended to enable early detection of irregularities and reinforce internal accountability mechanisms.

Earlier today, Iraqi security forces, under al-Zaidi’s directive, carried out a wide-ranging anti-corruption operation, detaining 47 officials, politicians, businessmen, and members of parliament. According to informed sources, the campaign is expected to target more than 200 suspects during its initial phase.

Read more: Iraq detains 47 officials in anti-corruption sweep: What we know so far

Shafaq News- Amman/ Baghdad

Iraq on Sunday secured the vice presidency of the Arab Union for Land Transport for a third consecutive term after Karim Kazem Hussein, director of the General Company for Passenger Transport and Delegations, won re-election during the union's meetings in Jordan.

The company, one of Iraq's Transport Ministry entities, described the outcome as reflecting Iraq's growing role in specialized Arab transport organizations and its contribution to strengthening regional cooperation in the land transport sector.

Shafaq News- Washington

The United States and Iran have agreed to pause mutual strikes and are preparing for new talks in Doha next week to ease rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, Axios reported on Sunday.

Citing US officials, the outlet noted that a direct hotline between the US military and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has not yet been activated, even as efforts continue to establish emergency communication channels under the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Meanwhile, conflicting accounts have emerged over the status of the diplomatic track in Switzerland. Iranian state television, citing an unnamed official, relayed that Tehran will not take part in technical talks scheduled for next week, pointing to “recent attacks and unmet conditions” as key factors shaping its position. The Wall Street Journal similarly reported that the latest round of hostilities between the two sides contributed to a pause in engagement.

The New York Times, however, underlined that the planned talks have not been cancelled, arguing that indirect communication remains active through established channels.

The US and Iran exchanged blows on Sunday, extending fighting around Hormuz into a third day. Washington previously accused Tehran of carrying out drone attacks on an oil tanker near the maritime gateway, while striking several sites inside Iran. The IRGC rejected the allegations and launched attacks on several US military positions in Kuwait and Bahrain in retaliation.

Read more: Iraq stands to gain most from US-Iran deal, analysts warn of fragile foundations

Shafaq News- Al-Anbar

Iraq's Federal Commission of Integrity arrested six Saqlawiyah Municipality employees on Sunday over alleged financial and administrative corruption cases, according to a local official.

Speaking with Shafaq News, Al-Anbar Provincial Council member Adnan Al-Kubaisi identified the detainees as Deputy Municipal Director Raed Abbas Hammad, engineers Laith Subhi Karim and Uqba Khaled Hammadi, employees Ammar Mahdi Hussein and Zuhair Abdul Mohsen, and technical employee Mahmoud Saadallah.

Al-Kubaisi said the case involves the auditing of contracting procedures, bonus payments, salaries for contract employees, and records related to the distribution of residential land to municipal staff.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The arrests came hours after Iraqi authorities launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign that, according to informed sources, is expected to target more than 200 officials, politicians, former and current deputy ministers, business owners, and other suspects during its initial phase.

Read more: Iraq detains 47 officials in anti-corruption sweep: What we know so far